10 Ways to Better Your Life Without Breaking the Bank

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10 Ways to Better Your Life...
1. PICK UP A NEW HOBBY
Photography is a very fun and inexpensive hobby to try for those who already own a camera. Go take a hike on Sleeping Giant and snap some candid photos of local plants and maybe some animals. The best times to go are in the fall when the leaves have just turned or in the early spring when everything is blooming.
If photogrpahy doesn't interest you try something else...visit your local craft store and see what they have to offer. Hamden is home to a JoAnn Fabrics where they have low cost projects and crafts or maybe in North Haven Michael's might satisfy your craft-desires.
For more hobby suggestions click here
2. GET SOME FRESH AIR
There are some great spots in the Hamden/New Haven area for people to get away from the everyday life and get some fresh air. Make use of the upcoming spring season and get some sun for a great price…FREE! Sleeping Giant Park...Farmington Canal Trail...maybe take your dog along for a little exercise at the Hamden Dog Park at Basset or for only a few dollars hit the driving range at Sleeping Giant Golf Course and maybe you'll be in time for penny drafts!
3. GET SOME EXERCISE
According to webmd..."More than 60% of Americans do not get regular exercise.
 Helps control weight
 Maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints
 Reduces risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes
 Promotes psychological well-being
 Reduces risk of death from heart disease
 Reduces risk of premature death
Studies have also shown a link between exercise and a reduced risk of certain cancers. "
Makes that suggestion sound pretty worthwhile, right? Well any of the fresh air suggestions can satisfy the exercise compnent as well. Sleeping Giant boast many trails as well and plenty of flat surfaces for running and other types of exercise can be found on the Farmington Canal Trail.
4. CALL UP A FRIEND YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IN AWHILE AND PLAN A DATE
It doesn't have to be an expensive get together. Just plan some time to spend catching up. Walk around the mall or for a few dollars go out to a local eatery. Chili's offers some great specials for the happy hour from 4-7 on weekdays as well as Applebee's 2 for $20. Appetizer and two dinners for $20.
5. VOLUNTEER FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
A Canadian study shows that 79% of volunteers improve interpersonal skills and 68% improved their communication skills. Not only does volunteering improve one's skills but the general feeling of helping others is shown to improve a person's overall mood. So here are some local places that allow volunteers The Animal Haven in North Haven, Habitat For Humanity or a local food pantry.
6.CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS
Spend less money on food by cutting out that one vice we all love...take-out. The easy, quick, have whatever you are desiring convience of this service also can break the bank and eventually your waist band. Visit your local grocery store and create your own meals. Trader Joe's sells some great frozen dishes that take less time than pciking up your take-out and they offer almost all types of food. this includes Mexican, Chinese, Asian, Italian and American.
7. PICK UP A FREE CLASS
We are still in school for a few more months and we should take advantage of what the school offers us...free classes! Visit the QU website to take a look at all the exercise classes that they offer us. Yoga, Pilates, aerobic or other classes benefit your body as well as provide a nice outlet for a busy student.
Even intramurals allow students to be a part of a team and get that well-needed exercise.
8. HOST A THEMED PARTY
Is there a holiday approaching? Get everyone together at your place for a night of fun. To save on the cost of hosting have everyone bring something with them and to make it exciting require a costume or some sort of theme.
9. FAN OF THE MOVIES?
$6 Tuesdays at the North Haven Cinema make movie going almost half price every Tuesday night. Bring along that friend you have not seen in awhile!
10.TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES
There is always stuff going on around town...especially in bigger cities. Look out for some of the local festivals or flea markets that happen in the New Haven Area. The New Haven Flea Market or New Haven Jazz Festival, Mystic Chowderfest, or the Norwalk Oyster Fest.